Santa visits the Top End.....

 There is something so exciting about receiving mail.  Particularly this lovely little gem which arrived in a beautifully decorated envelope from Isabelle. 

I could tell as soon as I landed at Milikapiti last Thursday that something exciting was about to happen.  Similar to many places around Australia and the world a school christmas party was taking place that morning and a special guest was expected.  Santa was quickly swamped with attention despite the pleading by the teachers and school staff for all to remain in the hall

Main School Building
The Tiwi Islands are painted on the wall behind Santa Claus.  Milikapiti is in the larger of the two islands on the northen aspect and is also known as Snake Bay.

 The enthusiasm was contagious and I could not help but feel the holiday spirit as I watched the Tiwi kids celebrate and entertain their families and friends.

RAIN!

.....but we made it through after waiting a couple of hours for the flood waters to subside.
Some people had been waiting several hours, others with 2 wheel drives were unable to make it through at all.

RAIN!

 ....and the rains came down!

 heavier.................

and harder making the journey difficult..........

Crossing a Continent

 John, Lucas and Isabelle have embarked on an incredible journey.  And, look how far they have come!  It all started out slowly...so much to get organised, a new vehicle to handle the trip, roof racks and carrier, camping gear and supplies. Oh and the tears, so sad to say goodbye to loved ones.  Only a short drive the first day stopping off at the Great-grandparents home in the Blue Mountains.

They have encountered wind, rain and floods and are now certainly on their way. They have visited many outback towns, chatted with locals and travelers alike and have becomes regular swimmers stopping off at every town with a community pool for a swim...and temps are just getting hotter. 

 Their first swim was at the Hot Springs in Moree, NSW (pictured).

Another one of many full and overflowing rivers. This one is near Tambo, Queensland.

 Two of the wonderful travelers and some of their gear.  Stopping for the night and collecting firewood.

 Nindigully, a town faced with likely prediction of  flooding in the next day, Southern Queensland.  Probably it is good for us to begin to understand this side of nature...we are moving to Bellingen!

Making new friends!

 Water, water everywhere.......

 Lark Quarry Dinosaur footprints.  This is the only place on the planet which show an actual Dino stampede.  Four species are seen, the largest is an "Australian t-Rex."  You can see his footprints as he chased the smaller animals which were drinking.  You could actually see where he slipped as he grabbed for one. Absolutely incredible....95 million years old!

 Our curious paleontologist in the making...but you knew that already.








The Outback! 100km south of Winton, staying on a station.

Big beautiful Australia!

Aerial view from the bore tower.

Travel companions.....What adventure will they have tomorrow?

A long day had come to an end and then a little angel appears at Dad's Swag..."I thought it would be good to share my pillow with you Daddy and look at the stars."

Time is Flying By!

My days continue to be filled with interesting experiences and at times confronting.  I shift from times of feeling accomplished to feeling out of my depth to moments of despair over the enormity of the health and community dilemmas in this part of Australia.  I continue to fly to Malikapiti on the Tiwi Islands two days a week and visit one day per week to Goulburn and Croker Islands.  There is the odd change to my schedule.  I turned up at the airport one day a few weeks ago to find that I was on the manifest for Palumpa near Port Keats, on the western side of the Top End.  Each community is different.  The clinics are busy so time to wander about is limited but I relish the chance to get out of the clinic, walk in the heat, observe, and see the art centres (at Malikapiti and Goulburn). 

Goulburn Island

Last week on Goulburn Island we arrived to the slaying of a crocodile found at the inlet that morning. After being shot, to my dismay, it was attached to the back of a Ute (pick-up truck) and dragged through the main road of town. I was told the skin was not good enough to be kept but an enviable member of the community is the proud owner of the skull.   The children know they should not play near the water but this "salty" was found only meters from one of the town houses. 

The freshwater enters the ocean just beyond the trees, the spot where the croc was taken. Only a 2 minute walk from the clinic!

Elizabeth's Visit

One of my dearest oldest friends came all the way down under for a visit! What a treat! We had a great time exploring the Top End.

Some highlights were the Territory Wildlife Park, Swimming in the waterholes (pictured is Wangi Falls) at Litchfield National Park (We knew the water had been checked for "salties" but we didn't realise until after that we were sharing our swim with the freshwater crocs.  Eeeek!) We were told they'll only injure you not kill you!

 

Spectacular magnetic Termite Mounds, how bazaar! They look like giant tombstones. And below, a Cathedral Termite Mound.

The Darwin outdoor markets are a wonderful mix of great fresh food and lots of colourful flowing clothing, ornaments and jewelery.  We both loved the fresh paw paw salad. Delicious!  Made from a mix of a thinly sliced gourd-like fruit, with a peanut and paw paw sauce. 

Next blog... John and the kids have begun their long journey to Darwin, some 4000 kilometers, roughly similar to crossing the USA.

Thusday, Milikapiti (Snake Bay) Melville Island & return to Darwin

 I was off to Malikapiti for the second time today.

The clinic days start early and end late.  The day flew, I saw several complex patients and once again had no time outside the clinic.  I yearn to walk through the communities and simply observe my surroundings.  Here are some images from the day.

Paintings are from the walls of the shelter at the airstrip at Pirlangimpi on Melville Isaland. 

Goulburn Island

 Morning Flight to Goulburn Island

RD, a 72 year old  local Goulburn Artist and one of my patients.  Painting in the style of his birth place, Elcho Island.  Painting represents his animal totem, the serpent, and bamboo in the center.

 Clinic on Goulburn Island

Art Centre- across the road from the clinic